Tanzania has stepped up its preparedness for potential Marburg virus disease outbreaks following a recent outbreak in neighboring Rwanda. The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, conducted a tabletop simulation exercise to evaluate and improve the country’s emergency response plans.
The exercise involved 40 individuals from various sectors, including national, regional, and district levels. It assessed Tanzania’s existing response mechanisms to a Marburg virus outbreak, identifying areas for improvement such as involving additional sectors in the response framework.
Tanzania experienced its first Marburg virus disease outbreak in March 2023, which was quickly managed. The exercise provided valuable insights into the country’s current preparedness, highlighting gaps in the implementation of the Incident Management System and the need for improved communication protocols.
The simulation exercise will share its findings with stakeholders across the country to strengthen Tanzania’s overall health response system. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness and ensure the country is prepared to manage potential Marburg virus disease outbreaks in the future.
Source: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/united-republic-of-tanzania/news/tanzania-enhances-preparedness-marburg-virus-disease-mvd-outbreak-through-simulation-exercise